Theme: The Many Faces of Canadian Economic Francophonie / Les multiples visages de la Francophonie économique canadienne.

The 20th Francophonie Summit, to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 14-16, 2026, will bring together heads of state and government, business leaders, and institutional stakeholders from across the Francophonie world under the theme "Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability."

As Canada's leading business organization dedicated to strengthening economic relations between Canada and Southeast Asia, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) proposes to organize a series of business engagement activities on the margins of the Summit. Through its network across Canada and ASEAN, CABC is well positioned to convene government representatives, business leaders, chambers of commerce, and investment promotion agencies to strengthen commercial ties between Canada and the Mekong region.

The proposed program will also help build momentum toward two important milestones: the 50th anniversary of Canada-ASEAN dialogue relations in 2027 and Canada's hosting of the Francophonie Summit in Ottawa in 2028. By bringing together stakeholders from Canada, Cambodia, and the broader region, CABC aims to showcase opportunities for trade, investment, and partnership while reinforcing its role as a trusted bridge between Canada and Southeast Asia.

Objectives

• Showcase Canadian business, provincial, and institutional strengths to Francophone and regional audiences.

• Convene Canadian, Cambodian, and regional business leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities.

• Strengthen commercial relationships between Canada and the Mekong region.

• Support dialogue between government and business leaders on opportunities for economic cooperation and sustainable growth.

• Build momentum toward the 50th anniversary of Canada-ASEAN dialogue relations in 2027 and Canada's hosting of the Francophonie Summit in Ottawa in 2028.

• Generate strategic content and engagement opportunities that advance CABC's mission and Canada's trade diversification objectives.

Business Roundtable Series

The roundtable series will bring together Canadian and regional stakeholders to discuss opportunities for deeper economic engagement and collaboration.

Roundtable 1: Investment Opportunities in Indochina

This session will explore emerging opportunities across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, highlighting priority sectors, investment trends, and successful examples of regional cooperation.

Roundtable 2: Trade and Investment Opportunities in Canada

This session will showcase Canada's strengths as a destination for trade and investment, featuring opportunities across provinces and sectors including energy, agri-food, infrastructure, technology, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing.